Orthodontics

Are you ready to enhance your smile? We have the technology to help. Our skilled orthodontic specialists have the capacity to diagnose and treat even the most severe cases of bite and alignment issues. We’ll give you the treatment and care you need to straighten your smile and improve your health.

Why Orthodontics?

While the boost in confidence for having a great smile is an obvious perk to getting braces, there are a number of health benefits you can expect as well. Misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean properly, which increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Also, issues with your bite can create unnecessary tension in your jaw, leading to headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and TMJ syndrome. By straightening your teeth and bite, we can greatly reduce the risk of these issues and keep you in good oral health.

So how do you know if you need orthodontic treatment? Working with your dentist at Oak Park Dental Group is the only way to know for certain if braces are right for you. However, you may be a good candidate for braces if you have any of the following issues:

Misplaced midline – when the center of your top and bottom row’s of teeth are misaligned

Open bite – if the biting surfaces don’t connect completely and leave an open space

Crossbite – when the bite is not completely aligned so that the upper teeth fall directly over the bottom teeth

Overcrowding – if the teeth do not have enough space along the dental ridge

We use a variety of diagnostic tools to fully understand the alignment of your teeth and bite as well as determine the best treatment for you. Some of these tools may include x-rays, plaster molds of your mouth, photographs, a dental examination, and a full medical history. If you have any of the above mentioned issues, it is quite possible that braces would be an excellent solution.

How Braces Can Help

Braces are one of the most commonly used methods for straightening teeth, which means they’re proven to work! Comprised of brackets, wires, and bands, braces move your teeth over time by adjusting the wires on a monthly basis. Here’s how you can typically expect the process to work:

Consultation: First, your dentist will determine what exactly needs to happen to straighten your teeth (or if orthodontic treatment would even benefit you). Using diagnostic tools, your dentist will decide with you if braces are your best option.

Planning Your Treatment: Everyone’s bite is different, so everyone’s treatment needs to be different as well. Your dentist will determine which teeth need to move where, and map out the different movements that need to happen to straighten your bite.

Placing the Brackets: During this appointment, your dentist will need to thoroughly clean the surfaces of your teeth in order to securely place the brackets. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. They will then cement the brackets onto your teeth, placing them strategically according to your treatment plan.

Insert the Wire: When all of the brackets are set, a horseshoe-shaped wire will be inserted through them, connecting your teeth. This wire is what facilitates the movement of your teeth, so it will be shaped to fit your mouth and your orthodontic needs.

Adjustments: Once the braces are in place, you will need to visit the office once every 3-4 weeks to adjust your wires. This will allow your teeth to keep moving according to the orthodontic treatment plan.

Your dentist will teach you everything you need to know to take proper care of your braces. This may include avoiding crunchy foods and taking special care to clean them properly. Once you’re treatment is complete, they’ll simply remove the device so you can enjoy your beautiful new smile!

Our Services

Contact Us

Have any questions or comments for us? Need to schedule an appointment? Send us a message and we’ll get back to you shortly! If you have an emergency or need to reschedule an appointment, please call our office at: (773) 889-9100